General counsel | GE
John-Edrich Starke
General counsel | GE
Team size: Three What are the most significant cases and transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in? We primarily work on renewable energy projects (onshore wind, hydro, and solar) in the SSA and MENAT regions. The work we do in renewable energy projects matters, and we strive for more people to have access to clean, reliable electricity. In order for us to achieve this, we need to educate people on the importance and benefits of renewable energy.How do you see the general counsel role evolving in South Africa over the next five-ten years?General counsel (GCs) need to become better business partners, driving business objectives rather than merely serving as a legal support function. They should aim to be proactive lawyers rather than reactive ones.How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners? Familiarise yourself with the business growth strategy and objectives, and align your key performance indicators (KPIs) and those of your team with the business KPIs. This will help you earn your seat at the table.
Focus on…My career
With a robust background in legal and commercial management spanning diverse industries and continents, I am a seasoned professional poised for leadership roles as a commercial director, contracts director, or legal and business executive. Over the course of my career, I have delivered exemplary results and fostered the growth of multinational resources and construction companies while upholding the highest standards of integrity and governance.
During my tenure at ENRC, where I served for six years, I excelled as head of commercial, achieving 100% target bonuses and spearheading successful business development strategies. My contributions at WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, where I served as head of claims, led to a significant 25% reduction in claim values, showcasing my expertise in mitigating risks and optimising outcomes.
At General Electric, where I spent seven impactful years, I ascended to the role of executive general counsel within three years. My leadership in legal and contract management departments contributed to streamlined operations and garnered prestigious performance acknowledgments, including CEO Awards and Highest Impact Awards.
With a comprehensive educational background including degrees in BCom Law, LLB, and an LLM in Tax Law, I bring a wealth of legal expertise and commercial insight to every endeavour. From implementing Code of Conduct and Whistleblowing policies to orchestrating project turnarounds and renegotiating contracts, my track record speaks volumes about my commitment to excellence and innovation.
As I embark on the next phase of my professional journey, I am driven by a passion for identifying and developing well-founded opportunities that foster the growth and sustainability of enterprises. With a keen eye for commercial drivers and a deep understanding of legal intricacies, I am poised to make a transformative impact in any role I undertake.
